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Plateau Peace Advocates for Good Governance and Social Stability, PPAGGSS has called on members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State to resist divisive tendencies and preserve what it described as a rare moment of political unity across the state.

In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim D. Lengshak, the group warned that allowing internal cracks within the party could reverse the gains recorded in recent efforts to stabilise the state politically and socially.

According to the group, Plateau is witnessing an unprecedented level of political convergence, cutting across party lines and interests, a development it said should not be sacrificed on the altar of personal ambition or external manipulation.
PPAGGSS specifically cautioned both longstanding members of the APC and new entrants into the party to avoid actions or utterances and promotion of divisions and sharing ratios only known to those promoting the division.

The group urged party faithful to draw inspiration from leading political figures in the state, including Governor Caleb Mutfwang, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, and former governor Simon Lalong, whom it credited with setting aside political differences to foster cohesion.
“So far, these leaders have not disappointed us in their common zeal for the good of the state and the party and it behoves those who claim to support them not to break ranks.

“The unity we are beginning to see on the Plateau is not accidental. It is the product of deliberate efforts by leaders who have chosen to rise above differences for the common good,” Ishaku said.
PPAGGSS noted that the alignment among these leaders represents a strategic foundation for peace and development, stressing that their example should guide grassroots supporters and stakeholders within the party.

The group also raised concern over what it described as the activities of “divisive elements” seeking to exploit perceived differences within the APC for personal gain.

“These are individuals who neither laboured for the present stability nor contributed to the building of consensus, yet they are eager to sow discord for selfish reasons,” the statement said.
It warned that such tendencies, if unchecked, could plunge the state back into a cycle of political fragmentation that has historically undermined governance and security.

Emphasising the broader implications of unity, PVD said that a cohesive political front is essential in addressing the lingering security challenges affecting communities across Plateau.

According to the group, insecurity remains a shared concern that transcends political affiliations, making it imperative for stakeholders to close ranks rather than deepen divisions.
“Plateau cannot afford to return to an era where political differences weaken collective resolve. The threats we face today require unity, cooperation, and a shared commitment to peace,” Ishaku added.

The group, therefore, urged APC members to project a united front in both words and actions, stressing that sustaining the current atmosphere of cooperation would be critical in consolidating peace, strengthening governance, and advancing development across the state.

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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced a last-minute change of venue for its National Convention scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, in Abuja, following challenges in securing approval for previously proposed centres.

In an update released on Monday, the party confirmed that it was unable to gain access to both the Eagle Square and the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, which were initially considered as host venues for the high-profile political gathering.

According to the party, formal communication had been sent to the office of the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, requesting approval to use Eagle Square. While the request was acknowledged, the ADC stated that it did not receive an official approval or rejection before proceeding to secure an alternative arrangement.

In a subsequent statement, the party confirmed that the convention will now take place at the Rainbow Event Center in Abuja.

The ADC explained that the new venue was selected for its central location and ease of access for delegates and stakeholders expected from across Nigeria. The party also emphasized that holding the convention in Abuja underscores the national significance of the event and is expected to support a more coordinated and inclusive gathering.

The National Convention is expected to bring together party leaders, delegates, and supporters as the ADC moves to strengthen its internal structures and prepare for upcoming political activities.

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In Edo State, chieftains of ADC, Senator Roland Owie and Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, traded words over the chairmanship of the party.

Addressing journalists on Sunday in Benin City, ADC senatorial leader and member of the National Executive Council (NEC), Senator Roland Owie, alleged that Chief John Odigie-Oyegun was attempting to impose his loyalists as state party chairman despite losing the congress.

He said the chairmanship position in Edo ADC was zoned to Edo South, which was later micro-zoned to Oredo Local Government Area.

According to him, two aspirants, Dr. Mike Ehima and Tony Alile, showed interest in the position, leading to a mini-primary conducted between them.

“At the end of the exercise, Dr. Ehima polled 75 votes, while his opponent, Tony Alile, scored four votes,” he said.

Owie added that the local government congresses were generally peaceful and unanimous in several areas.

“But information reaching me indicates that Chief John Odigie-Oyegun is adopting another chairman in place of Dr. Ehima at the national headquarters in Abuja,” he alleged.

He further stated that Oyegun could not simultaneously serve as a national leader and senatorial leader of the party in the state, insisting he should choose one role.

Owie, therefore, called on the party’s NEC to caution Oyegun and restore order within the state chapter.

In his response, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun denied involvement in the congress process, saying he was not part of the officials appointed by the national headquarters to conduct the exercise.

“I am not the state congress officer appointed by the national headquarters in Abuja to oversee the congress. It is only the congress officer who can speak on that, and maybe he will speak tomorrow,” he said.

Reacting to claims by former state chairman Kelly Odion that he remained the party chairman, Oyegun said: “I don’t know where he got that from; it is between him and Abuja.”

‘FG has denied us usage of Eagle Square, National Stadium’

Ahead of its April 14 national convention, ADC alleged that it had been denied access to both Eagle Square and the Velodrome of the National Stadium in Abuja for the conduct of the event.

The allegation was made by Kola Ologbondiyan, chairman of the media subcommittee of the party’s National Convention Committee, on Sunday night.

Speaking in response to inquiries from Daily Trust on preparations for the convention, Ologbondiyan said the party had formally written to the relevant authorities requesting permission to use the venues.

“We have written to the authorities for Eagle Square; it was acknowledged. But since then, they refused to respond to us,” he said.

He added that the party also applied to use the Velodrome at the National Stadium, but was informed by the ministry that it did not have authorisation to grant approval for the facility’s use.